Description
This creamy leftover ham pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that transforms your ham leftovers into a luscious comfort dish. Featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with sautéed onions and garlic, it’s elevated with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or when you need a delicious way to reduce food waste.
Ingredients
Ham and Pasta
- Leftover ham, cubed or shredded – 1 to 1½ cups
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells recommended) – 8 ounces
Sauce
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, fresh minced – 2 cloves
- Onion, finely chopped – ½ cup
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional) – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Ham: Incorporate the leftover ham pieces into the skillet, allowing them to warm through and develop a slight golden crust which adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the ham and cream sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure every pasta piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the pasta immediately while warm and creamy for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Leftover ham can be substituted with cooked bacon or pancetta.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce can enhance it subtly.
- For extra veggies, add sautéed mushrooms or peas.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
